Kirby 510 restoration in progress

[farmvet01]

Belt lifter....

I clear-coated the belt lifter today. It turned out beautifully!

 

[kc_kirby]

Looks great, I wish I could turn out work as good as that. I'd probably make it look worse than it started out as. I don't do well painting things.

 

[cb123]

That belt lifter even exceeds Kirby's rigid standards of perfection, and that's a tall order by no stretch of the imagination. If I was to rate it on a scale of one to ten it would be somewhere in the neighborhood of eleven, NO, a twelve and that's for sure! Bravo on a job which can only be described as nothing short of astounding!

 

[farmvet01]

Thanks...

...for the complements! I just want to share with those who have a common interest. It's rewarding! Next, I just picked up a model 508 this past weekend...it's already disassembled and I've begun to clean the parts prior to commencing wet sanding.

 

[cb123]

You got yourself a really rare Kirby there! There's more 505's out there than the early 508's with the 505 tags, and the later 508 with the 510 style tag. You plucked on some heart strings, and so I'll have to show you a photo. I got this one in pretty rough shape, and it took quite a piece of work to get her looking as good as she does now. But, you as I both know it's well worth the toll and effort we put into it, and it pays rich dividends in doing so. Congratulations on a great find!

 

[cb123]

Be careful with the belt lifter, it has only three thin copper flanges holding it. That defect was resolved with the model 509. Use a well worn belt and you should never have any problems, but don't use a new belt if you can help it.

 

[cb123]

Early model 508 Kirby logo (1948).

 

[farmvet01]

Beautifully....

...done 508! As for the belt lifter...even though the front logo is the correct script style for a 508, the back side looks in nicer shape than my 510 lifter, and visibly identical. What exactly did they modify with the 509 lifter? I should mention that this 508 has a Kirby rebuild tag dated 1969 and I'm thinking that it was updated or replaced at that time. But, thanks for the advice anyway. By the way, the motor on this machine was completely replaced in 1969 based on the stampings on the field and armature. On another note, why do you think the 508's are so relatively rare as you described?

 

[cb123]

There were a couple contributing factors which limited the numbers of the 508's. The first being it had an inferior riveted front bearing plate which was prone to shifting about. That of course wasn't conducive for it's undersized armature's overall health. Mind you that this all happened during a model change during a recession year. I think they were being just a little cheap, but they quickly resolved that issue with the later 508. I think it was one of Kirby's rare lemons; as from this model Kirby introduced its rebuild program to stave off any backlash - that would seem logical. The early 508 which I have is identical to a 505 with the only exception of the color scheme. There was not a whole lot produced, and so many to fell victim to the rebuild program, that to even find one is no small feat - especially one unaltered as the one I have pictured. Even on eBay I've seen rebuilt 508's go for good money, for there is so few of them and therefore are highly sot after. Your belt lifter is original to the later 508 and is of the heaver gauge. Even all that has been said you have yourself a very rare Kirby, and congratulations once more. Post pictures of your progress, because I'm sure it's going to be outstanding!

 

[cb123]

P.S.

From the Kirby model C thru the 508 bares James Blain Kirby's actual signature upon the belt lifter.

 

[farmvet01]

Thanks...

...for the history. And you bet...I will be happy to share pictures of the ongoing restoration! On a side note, I have noticed that the older the model, the rougher the machined surfaces are and the more prevalent the casting artifacts are. I will "back off" a little on this machine and accept their existence; they "deserve" to add character to the restored machine. Don't you agree?

 

[cb123]

I think that in most cases the surface imperfections can be exasperated by the filthy, squirreled, dank conditions they have been so sorely maintained in, or the lack thereof by there neglectful, previous owners. Which I might add is a good thing to some degree, because they want to unload them on somebody as soon as practical. This is not, however, the case with your 508, but it could have been kept like that before it was rebuilt. When dye-cast is abused in like manner you don't only have metal oxidation, but you have the phenomenon of bacteria devouring the metal and these two processes help form an unholy duet of destruction, which must be halted as soon as possible - not at the half step, but at the double quick! I Know what your going through and boy let me tell you I've received more than my fair share - a double helping times two! But, you must remember the more challenging it is the more reward you have to gain - to add more prestige and luster to your collection! It looks like your well underway, Great Kirbys! I agree, don't worry so much about the pits and dings, I would consider them more as beauty marks. No one would dare dream of removing Marilyn Monroe's mole, or taking a razor to the Mona Lisa!